Aspartame, an artificial sweetener commonly known by its brand names such as NutraSweet and Equal, has been a subject of extensive research and debate since its discovery in 1965. Composed of two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, linked together with a methyl ester bond, aspartame provides a sweet taste without the calories associated with sugar.

Initially approved for use in foods and beverages by the FDA in 1981, aspartame quickly gained popularity as a low-calorie alternative to sugar, appealing to individuals seeking to manage their weight or control their sugar intake. Its sweetness potency, approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose, allows for minimal usage while achieving desired sweetness levels in various products.

Despite its widespread use, aspartame has been a topic of controversy and scrutiny. Concerns have been raised over its safety, particularly regarding its breakdown products phenylalanine, methanol, and aspartic acid. Phenylalanine, in particular, is of concern for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to metabolize phenylalanine.